Formation of the German Empire

Formation of the German Empire

Background

• The German Confederation, established in 1815, was a loose association of 39 German states.
• The Confederation was ineffective in promoting German unity and strength.

The Frankfurt Parliament (1848-1849)

• A revolution in 1848 led to the formation of the Frankfurt Parliament, which aimed to create a unified German state.
• The parliament was dominated by liberals who wanted a constitutional monarchy.
• The parliament's proposals for a unified Germany were rejected by the Austrian and Prussian governments.

The Prussian-led Unification

• Prussia, under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, took the lead in unifying Germany.
• Bismarck's strategy was to create a unified Germany through a series of wars and alliances.

The Wars of Unification

• The Danish War (1864): Prussia and Austria defeated Denmark, gaining control of the territories of Schleswig and Holstein.
• The Austro-Prussian War (1866): Prussia defeated Austria, leading to the dissolution of the German Confederation and the formation of the North German Confederation.
• The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871): Prussia defeated France, leading to the formation of the German Empire.

The Proclamation of the German Empire (1871)

• On January 18, 1871, the German Empire was proclaimed at the Palace of Versailles.
• King Wilhelm I of Prussia was declared the German Emperor.
• Bismarck became the Chancellor of the German Empire.

Key Features of the German Empire

• The empire was a federal state with a constitutional monarchy.
• The emperor held significant powers, but was also limited by the constitution.
• The Bundesrat (Federal Council) represented the interests of the individual states.
• The Reichstag (Imperial Diet) was the legislative body of the empire, elected by universal male suffrage.